Hybrid wellhead system and method of use

0001This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/513,142 filed Oct. 21, 2003.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

0002Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

0003The present invention relates generally to wellhead systems for the extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons and, in particular, to a hybrid wellhead system employing both threaded unions and flanged connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0004Wellhead systems are used for the extraction of hydrocarbons from subterranean deposits. Wellhead systems include a wellhead and, optionally mounted thereto, various Christmas tree equipment (for example, casing and tubing head spools, mandrels, hangers, connectors, and fittings) The various connections joints and unions needed to assemble the components of the wellhead system are usually either threaded or flanged. As will be elaborated below, threaded unions are typically used for low-pressure wells where the working pressure is less than 3000 pounds per square inch (PSI), whereas flanged unions are used in high-pressure wells where the working pressure is expected to exceed 3000 PSI.

0005Independent screwed wellheads are well known in the art. The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies a wellhead as an “independent screwed wellhead” if it possesses the features set out in API Specification <b>6</b>A entitled “Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment.” The independent screwed wellhead has independently secured heads for each tubular string supported in the well bore. The pressure within the casing is controlled by a blowout preventer (BOP) typically secured atop the wellhead. The head is said to be “independently” secured to a respective tubular string because it is not directly flanged or similarly affixed to the casing head. Independent screwed wellheads are widely used for production from low-pressure production zones because they are economical to construct and maintain. Independent screwed wellheads are typically utilized where working pressures are less than 3000 pounds per square inch (PSI). Further detail is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,194 (Smith) entitled “Independent Screwed Wellhead with High Pressure Capability and Method” which provides an apt summary of the features, uses and limitations of independent screwed wellheads.

0006Flanged wellheads, as noted above, are employed where working pressures are expected to exceed 3000 PSI. Wellhead systems with flanged connections are frequently designed to withstand fluid pressures of 5000 or even 10,000 PSI. The downside of flanged wellheads (also known in the art as ranged wellheads) is that they are heavy, time-consuming to assemble, and expensive to construct and maintain. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,194 (Smith), a 5000PSI ranged wellhead may cost two to four times that of an independent screwed wellhead with a working pressure rating of 3000 PSI. While oil and gas companies prefer to employ independent screwed wellheads rather than flanged wellheads, the latter must be used for high-pressure applications. Oil and gas companies are thus faced with a tradeoff between pressure rating and cost.

0007U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,194 (Smith) discloses an apparatus and method for temporarily reinforcing a low-pressure independent screwed wellhead with a high-pressure casing nipple so as to give it a high-pressure capability. The casing nipple described by Smith permits high-pressure fracturing operations to be performed through an independent screwed wellhead. Fracturing operations may achieve fluid pressures in the neighborhood of 6000 PSI, which the casing nipple is able to withstand even though the wellhead is only rated for 3000 PSI.

0008One of the disadvantages of the Smith casing nipple and method of use is that the casing nipple must be installed prior to fracturing and then removed prior to inserting the tubing string. As persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the steps of installing and removing the casing nipple generally entail killing the well, resulting in uneconomical downtime for the rig and potentially reversing beneficial effects of the fracturing operation. It is thus highly desirable to provide an apparatus and method which overcomes these problems.

0009There therefore exists a need for a wellhead system which withstands elevated fluid pressures and permits the extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons at less cost for the wellhead equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0010It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hybrid wellhead system which optimally combines the high-pressure rating of a flanged wellhead with the relative ease-of-use and low cost of an independent screwed wellhead. The hybrid wellhead is easier and more economical to manufacture and assemble, minimizes rig downtime, and is nonetheless able to withstand high fluid pressures (e.g., at least 5000 PSI).

0011The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding elevated fluid pressures when subterranean hydrocarbon formations are stimulated in a well. The hybrid wellhead system has a plurality of tubular heads, each tubular head suspending a respective tubular string in the well, the tubular heads being connected to the hybrid wellhead system by threaded unions; and a tubing head spool mounted to the wellhead system having a top end that is flanged for connection to a flow-control stack.

0012The invention further provides a method of installing a wellhead for stimulating a well for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom, where the pressure may spike above a working pressure rating of an independent screwed wellhead, the method comprising the steps of: securing each successive tubular head to the wellhead using a threaded union; and securing a flow-control stack to the wellhead using a flanged connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0013Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view of a conductor assembly having a conductor window fastened with a quick-connector to a conductor pipe that is, in turn, dug into the ground;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view of the conductor assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> after a surface casing has been run in and a wellhead has been landed onto a conductor bushing;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view illustrating the removal of the conductor window, leaving behind the exposed wellhead;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view showing a drilling flange and a blowout preventer secured to the wellhead by a threaded union;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view of a test plug locked into place by locking pins in the drilling flange prior to retraction of the landing tool;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view illustrating a drill bushing locked in place inside the drilling flange;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of an intermediate casing being run through the stack until an intermediate casing mandrel is landed onto the wellhead;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view illustrating the raising of the drilling flange and blowout preventer and the mounting of an intermediate head spool, or “B Section”, onto the wellhead and intermediate casing mandrel;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view showing a B Section test plug locked in place by locking pins in the drilling flange;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of another drill bushing locked in place in the drilling flange;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of a production casing being run through the stack until a production casing mandrel is landed in the intermediate head spool;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view depicting the removal of the blowout preventer and drilling flange from the intermediate head spool;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of a tubing head spool secured by a nut to the intermediate head spool;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of a tubing head pressure test tool inserted into the production casing for pressure-integrity testing;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of slips attached to the intermediate casing to be used where the intermediate casing cannot be run to its predicted depth;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of the slips seated in the casing bowl of the wellhead, showing a packing nut which is used to secure a seal plate on top of the slips;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view showing an intermediate head spool and drop sleeve being lowered onto the packing nut and wellhead;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of the intermediate head spool secured to the wellhead with a drop sleeve above the packing nut, seal plate and slips;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of a second embodiment of the intermediate casing mandrel which has been elongated to replace the drop sleeve and the slips; and

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a cross-sectional elevational view of an assembled hybrid wellhead system showing a flow control stack flanged to the top of a tubing head spool, and threaded unions securing the tubing head spool to the intermediate head spool and securing the intermediate head spool to the wellhead.

0034It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0035For the purposes of this specification, the expressions “wellhead system”, “tubular head”, “tubular string”, “mandrel”, and “threaded union” shall be construed in accordance with the definitions set forth in this paragraph. The expression “wellhead system” shall denote a wellhead (also known as a “casing head” or “surface casing head”) mounted atop a conductor assembly which is dug into the ground and which has, optionally mounted thereto, various Christmas tree equipment (for example, casing head housings, casing and tubing head spools, mandrels, hangers, connectors, and fittings). The wellhead system may also be referred to as a “stack” or as a “wellhead-stack assembly”. The expression “tubular head” shall denote a wellhead body such as a tubing head spool used to support a tubing mandrel, intermediate head spool (also known as a “B Section”) or a wellhead (also known as a casing head). The expression “tubular string” shall denote any casing or tubing, such as surface casing, intermediate casing, production casing or production tubing. The expression “mandrel” shall denote any generally annular mandrel body such as a production casing mandrel, intermediate casing mandrel or a tubing hanger (also known as a tubing mandrel or production tubing mandrel). The expression “threaded union” shall denote any threaded connection such as a nut, sometimes also referred to as a wing-nut, spanner nut, or hammer unions.

0036Prior to boring a hole into the earth for the extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons such as oil or natural gas, it is first necessary to “build the location” which involves removing any soil, sand, clay or gravel to the bedrock. Once the location is “built”, the next step is to “dig the cellar” which entails digging down approximately 40–60 feet, depending on bedrock conditions. The “cellar” is also known colloquially by persons skilled in the art as the “rat hole”.

0037As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a conductor <b>12</b> is inserted (or, in the jargon, “stuffed”) into the rat-hole that is dug into the ground or bedrock <b>10</b>. The upper portion of the conductor <b>12</b> that protrudes above ground level is referred to as a “conductor nipple” <b>13</b>. A conductor ring <b>14</b> (also known as a conductor bushing) is fitted atop the upper lip of the conductor nipple <b>13</b>. The conductor ring <b>14</b> has an upper beveled surface defining a conductor bowl <b>14</b><i>a. </i>

0038A conductor window <b>16</b>, which has discharge ports <b>15</b>, is connected to the conductor nipple <b>13</b> via a conductor pipe quick connector <b>18</b>, which uses locking pins <b>19</b> to fasten the conductor window <b>16</b> to the conductor nipple <b>13</b>. When fully assembled, the conductor window <b>16</b>, the conductor ring <b>14</b> and the conductor <b>12</b> constitute a conductor assembly <b>20</b>. At this point, a drill string (not shown, but well known in the art) is introduced to bore a hole that is typically 600–800 feet deep with a diameter large enough to accommodate a surface casing.

0039As depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, after drilling is complete, a surface casing <b>30</b> is inserted, or “run”, through the conductor assembly <b>20</b> and into the bore. The surface casing <b>30</b> is connected by threads <b>32</b> at an upper end to a wellhead <b>36</b> in accordance with the invention. The wellhead <b>36</b> has a bottom end <b>34</b> shaped to rest against the conductor bowl <b>14</b><i>a</i>. The surface casing <b>30</b> is run into the bore until the bottom end <b>34</b> of the wellhead contacts the conductor bowl <b>14</b><i>a</i>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0040As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the surface casing <b>30</b> is a tubular string having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the conductor <b>12</b>, thereby defining an annular space <b>33</b> between the conductor and the surface casing. The annular space <b>33</b> serves as a passageway for the outflow of mud when the surface casing is cemented in, a step that is well known in the art. Mud flows back up through the annular space <b>33</b> and out the discharge ports <b>15</b> located in the conductor window <b>16</b>. The annular space <b>33</b> is eventually filled up with cement during the cementing stage so as to set the surface casing in place.

0041A wellhead <b>36</b> (also known as a “surface casing head”) in accordance with the invention is connected to the surface casing <b>30</b> by threads <b>32</b> to constitute a wellhead-surface casing assembly. The wellhead <b>36</b> has side ports <b>37</b> (also known as flow-back ports) for discharging mud during-subsequent cementing operations (which will be explained below). As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the wellhead <b>36</b> also has a casing bowl <b>38</b>, which is an upwardly flared bowl-shaped portion that is configured to receive a casing mandrel, as will be further explained below. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the wellhead <b>36</b> is connected by threads to a landing tool <b>39</b> via a landing tool adapter <b>39</b><i>a</i>. The landing tool <b>39</b> is used to insert the wellhead-surface casing assembly and to guide this assembly down into the bore until the wellhead contacts the conductor bowl. The casing bowl <b>38</b> of the wellhead <b>36</b> is set as soon as cementing is complete (to minimize rig down time). Once the surface casing <b>30</b> is properly cemented into place, the landing tool <b>39</b> and landing tool adapter <b>39</b><i>a </i>is unscrewed from the wellhead <b>36</b> and removed.

0042As depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the conductor window <b>16</b> is then detached from the conductor <b>12</b> by disengaging the locking pins <b>19</b> of the quick connector <b>18</b>. After the conductor window <b>16</b> has been removed, as shown, what remains is the wellhead-surface casing assembly, i.e., the wellhead <b>36</b> sitting atop the conductor ring <b>14</b> and the conductor <b>12</b> with the surface casing <b>30</b> suspended from the wellhead.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts a drilling flange <b>40</b> in accordance with the invention, and a blowout preventer <b>42</b>, together constituting a pressure-control stack, secured to the wellhead <b>36</b> by a threaded union <b>44</b>, such as a lockdown nut or hammer union. The drilling flange <b>40</b> and blowout preventer <b>42</b> can be installed while waiting for the cement to set, further reducing rig down time. The wellhead <b>36</b> has upper pin threads for engaging box threads of the threaded union <b>44</b>. The blowout preventer (BOP) is secured to the top surface of the drilling flange <b>40</b> with a flanged connection. A metal ring gasket <b>41</b> is compressed between the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the wellhead <b>36</b> to provide a fluid-tight seal. The metal ring gasket is described in detail in the applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/690,142 filed Oct. 21, 2003, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. The ring gasket ensures a fire-resistant, high-pressure seal. The drilling flange <b>40</b> also optionally has two annular grooves <b>41</b><i>a </i>in which O-rings are seated for providing a backup seal between the wellhead and the drilling flange.

0044The drilling flange <b>40</b> further includes locking pins <b>46</b> which are located in transverse bores in the drilling flange <b>40</b>, and which are used to lock in place plugs and bushings as will be described below in more detail. The drilling flange <b>40</b> and blowout preventer <b>42</b> are mounted to the wellhead <b>36</b> in order to drill a deep bore into or adjacent to one or more subterranean hydrocarbon formation(s). But before drilling can be safely commenced, the pressure-integrity of the wellhead system, or “stack”, should be tested.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates the insertion of a test plug <b>50</b> in accordance with the invention for use in testing the pressure-integrity of the stack. The pressure-integrity testing is effected by plugging the stack with the test plug <b>50</b>, closing all valves and ports (including a set of pipe rams and blinds rams on the BOP) and then pressurizing the stack. The test plug is described in detail in Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application.

0046As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the test plug <b>50</b> has a bull-nosed bottom portion <b>51</b> which has an annular shoulder for supporting above it a metal gauge ring <b>52</b>, an elastomeric backup seal <b>53</b> and an elastomeric cup <b>54</b>, which is preferably made of nitrile rubber, although other elastomers or polymers may be used. The cup <b>54</b> includes a pair of annular grooves <b>54</b><i>a </i>into which O-rings may be seated to provide a fluid-tight seal between the cup <b>54</b> and the bull-nosed bottom portion <b>51</b>. The test plug <b>50</b> further includes a tubular extension <b>55</b> which is threaded at a bottom end to support the bull-nosed end portion <b>51</b>. A top end of the tubular extension <b>55</b> is integrally formed with an upper shoulder <b>56</b>. The upper shoulder <b>56</b> abuts an annular constriction in the drilling flange <b>40</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. When the upper shoulder <b>56</b> has abutted the annular constriction, the locking pins <b>46</b> in the drilling flange <b>40</b> are screwed inwardly to engage an upper surface of the upper shoulder <b>56</b>, thereby securing the test plug inside the stack. The upper shoulder <b>56</b> further includes a plurality of fluid passages <b>57</b> through which fluid may flow during pressurization of the stack.

0047The test plug <b>50</b> is inserted and retracted using a test plug landing tool <b>59</b> which is threaded to the test plug <b>50</b> inside an internally threaded socket <b>58</b>, which extends upwardly from the upper shoulder <b>56</b>. After the test plug landing tool <b>59</b> has been removed, the stack is pressurized to an estimated operating pressure. Due to the design of the test plug <b>50</b>, the pressure-integrity of the joint between the wellhead and the surface casing is tested, as well as the pressure-integrity of all the joints and seals in the stack above the wellhead.

0048A typical test procedure begins with shutting the BOP pipe rams for testing of the pipe rams to at least the estimated operating pressure. The test plug <b>50</b> is then locked with the locking pins <b>46</b> and the landing tool <b>59</b> is removed. The BOP blind rams are then shut and tested to at least the estimated operating pressure. If all seals and joints are observed to withstand the test pressure, the test plug can be removed to make way for the drill string.

0049As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, after the pressure-integrity of the stack is confirmed, preparations for drilling are commenced. This involves the insertion of a wear bushing <b>60</b> using a wear bushing insertion tool <b>62</b>. The wear bushing insertion tool <b>62</b> includes a landing joint <b>64</b> which is used to insert the wear bushing <b>60</b> to the correct location inside the drilling flange <b>40</b>. The wear bushing insertion tool <b>62</b> also includes a bushing holder <b>66</b> threadedly connected to a bottom end of the landing joint <b>64</b> for holding the wear bushing <b>60</b>. The wear bushing <b>60</b> is landed in the drilling flange <b>40</b>, and is then locked in place by the locking pins <b>46</b>. A head <b>46</b><i>a </i>of each locking pin <b>46</b> engages an annular groove <b>68</b> in the wear bushing, thereby locking the wear bushing <b>60</b> in place.

0050Once the wear bushing <b>60</b> is locked in place, the wear bushing insertion tool <b>62</b> is retracted, leaving the wear bushing <b>60</b> locked inside the drilling flange <b>40</b>. The stack is thus ready for drilling operations. A drill string (not illustrated, but well known in the art) is introduced into the stack so that it may rotate within the wear bushing. The wear bushing is installed to protect the casing bowl and surface casing from the deleterious effects of a phenomenon known in the art as “Kelley Whip”. With the wear bushing in place, drilling of a bore (to the intermediate casing depth) may be commenced.

0051The drilling rig runs the drilling string into the well bore and stops a safe distance above a cement plug. After an appropriate cement curing time, drilling resumes. When a desired depth for an intermediate casing is reached, the drilling string is removed from the well bore.

0052As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the intermediate casing <b>70</b> is run through the stack and into the well bore. In certain jurisdictions, industry regulations require that intermediate casing be run when exploiting a deep, high-pressure well. The intermediate casing serves to ensure that the deep production zone is isolated from porous shallower zones in the event that a production casing is ruptured.

0053As depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the intermediate casing <b>70</b> is secured and suspended in the well bore by an intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>. The intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b> is threaded to the intermediate casing <b>70</b> at a lower threaded connection <b>71</b>. The intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b> is threaded to a landing tool <b>74</b> at an upper threaded connection <b>73</b>. The intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b> has a lower frusta-conical end <b>75</b> shaped to be seated in the casing bowl <b>38</b> of the wellhead <b>36</b>. The lower frusta-conical end <b>75</b> of the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b> has a pair of annular grooves <b>76</b> in which O-rings are seated to provide a fluid-tight seal between the intermediate casing mandrel and the wellhead. The intermediate casing <b>70</b> is cemented into place by flowing back mud through the side ports <b>37</b> of the wellhead <b>36</b>, in a manner well known in the art.

0054As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, after the landing tool <b>74</b> is detached and removed from the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>, the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the blowout preventer <b>42</b> are raised to accommodate an intermediate head spool <b>80</b> in accordance with the invention. The intermediate head spool <b>80</b> is secured by threaded unions between the drilling flange <b>40</b> at the top and the wellhead <b>36</b> at the bottom.

0055As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> has a pair of flanged side ports <b>81</b>. The intermediate head spool <b>80</b> also has a set of upper pin threads <b>82</b> for engaging a set of box threads on the threaded union <b>44</b>. A metal ring gasket, as described in the Applicant's co-pending application referenced above, is seated in an annular groove <b>83</b> atop the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>. The drilling flange <b>40</b> is secured to the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> by the threaded union <b>44</b> which compresses the metal ring gasket between the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> to form a fire-resistant, high-pressure seal.

0056As further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> also has a bowl-shaped seat <b>84</b> for seating a tubing hanger, as will be described below. Below the side ports <b>81</b>, the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> has a pair of injection ports <b>85</b> for injecting plastic injection seals <b>86</b>. Adjacent to the injection ports are test ports <b>87</b>. The intermediate head spool <b>80</b> further includes a lower annular shoulder <b>88</b> which has an annular groove <b>89</b>. The intermediate head spool <b>80</b> is secured to the well-head <b>36</b> by a lockdown nut <b>90</b>. The top surface of the wellhead <b>36</b> has an annular groove <b>36</b><i>a </i>which aligns with the annular groove <b>89</b> in the bottom surface of the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>. A metal ring gasket is located in the annular grooves <b>36</b><i>a</i>, <b>89</b> and is compressed to form a fluid-tight seal when the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> is secured to the wellhead <b>36</b>. Finally, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, a seal ring <b>92</b>, having four annular grooves <b>94</b> for O-rings provides a spacer and a seal beneath the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>, between the top of the wellhead and the intermediate casing mandrel.

0057Illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a “B Section test tool” <b>100</b> (also known as the intermediate head test tool) which is secured inside the stack for use in pressure-integrity testing as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. As explained, bull-nosed bottom portion <b>101</b> which has an annular shoulder for supporting above it a metal gauge ring <b>102</b>, an elastomeric backup seal <b>103</b> and an elastomeric cup <b>104</b>, which is preferably made of nitrile rubber, although other elastomers or polymers may be used. The cup <b>104</b> includes a pair of annular grooves <b>104</b><i>a </i>into which O-rings may be seated to provide a fluid-tight seal between the cup <b>104</b> and the bull-nosed bottom portion <b>101</b>. The test plug <b>100</b> further includes a tubular extension <b>105</b> which is threaded at a bottom end to support the bull-nosed end portion <b>101</b>. A top end of the tubular extension <b>105</b> is integrally formed with an upper shoulder <b>106</b>. The upper shoulder <b>106</b> abuts an annular constriction in the drilling flange <b>40</b> as shown. When the upper shoulder <b>106</b> has abutted the annular constriction, the locking pins <b>46</b> in the drilling flange <b>40</b> are screwed inwardly to engage an upper surface of the upper shoulder <b>106</b>, thereby securing the test plug inside the stack. The upper shoulder <b>106</b> further includes a plurality of fluid passages <b>107</b> through which fluid may flow during pressurization of the stack.

0058The B section test plug <b>100</b> is inserted and retracted using the test plug landing tool <b>59</b>, which is threaded to the test plug <b>100</b> inside an internally threaded socket <b>108</b>, which extends upwardly from the upper shoulder <b>106</b>, as described above. After the test plug landing tool <b>109</b> has been removed, the stack is pressurized to at least an estimated operating pressure. Due to the design of the B section test plug <b>100</b>, the pressure-integrity of the joint between the intermediate casing and the intermediate casing mandrel (as well as the pressure-integrity of all the joints and seals above it in the stack) are pressure tested.

0059A typical test procedure begins with shutting the BOP pipe rams for testing of the pipe rams to the estimated operating pressure. The B section test plug <b>100</b> is then locked with the locking pins <b>46</b> and the landing tool <b>59</b> is removed. The BOP blind rams are then shut and tested to the estimated operating pressure. After a satisfactory test, the blind rams are opened and the landing tool is reinstalled. Finally, if all seals and joints are observed to withstand the estimated operating pressure, the locking pins <b>46</b> are released and the B section test plug <b>100</b> is removed.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows the installation of an intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b> in the drilling flange <b>40</b>. The intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b> is installed using an insertion tool <b>112</b>, which is very similar to the insertion tool <b>62</b> described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. The insertion tool <b>112</b> includes a landing joint <b>114</b>, which is used to insert the intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b> to the correct location inside the drilling flange <b>40</b>. The insertion tool <b>112</b> also has a bushing holder <b>116</b> threadedly connected to a bottom end of the landing joint <b>114</b> for holding the intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b>. The intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b> is aligned with the drilling flange <b>40</b> and is then locked in place by the locking pins <b>46</b>. A head <b>46</b><i>a </i>of each locking pin <b>46</b> engages an annular groove <b>118</b> in the wear bushing thereby locking the intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b> in place.

0061Once the intermediate wear bushing <b>110</b> is locked into place, the insertion tool <b>112</b> is retracted, leaving the wear bushing <b>110</b> locked inside the drilling flange <b>40</b>. The stack is thus ready for drilling operations. A drill string (not shown) is run into the stack and rotates within the intermediate wear bushing, as described above.

0062After the desired bore is drilled, the drill string and associated collars and wear bushing are removed from the stack. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, a production casing string <b>120</b> is then run and a production casing mandrel <b>122</b> is staged for cementing.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates how, after cement is run, the production casing mandrel <b>122</b> is landed onto the B section, or intermediate head spool <b>80</b>, using a landing tool <b>124</b>. The production casing mandrel <b>122</b> is secured by a box thread <b>121</b> to the production casing <b>120</b>. The production casing mandrel <b>122</b> is secured to the landing tool <b>124</b> by a box thread <b>123</b>. The production casing mandrel <b>122</b> has a frusta-conical bottom end <b>126</b> that sits in the bowl-shaped seat <b>84</b> of the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>. The frusta-conical bottom end <b>126</b> has a pair of annular grooves <b>128</b> in which O-rings are received for providing a fluid-tight seal between the production casing mandrel <b>122</b> and the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>.

0064After the production casing mandrel <b>122</b> is landed in the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>, the landing tool <b>124</b> is disconnected from the production casing mandrel and removed. Next, the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the blowout preventer <b>42</b> are removed as a unit (along with the threaded union <b>44</b>) as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. The production casing mandrel <b>122</b> sits exposed atop the remainder of the stack.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> depicts a tubing head spool <b>130</b> secured by a lockdown nut <b>140</b> to the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>. The tubing head spool <b>130</b> includes a pair of flanged side ports <b>131</b> and a top flange <b>132</b>. The top flange <b>132</b> has an annular groove <b>133</b> for receiving a standard metal ring gasket (not shown), which is well known in the art. The top flange <b>132</b> also has transverse bores for housing locking pins <b>134</b>. The tubing head spool <b>130</b> has a stepped central bore <b>130</b><i>a. </i>

0066As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the tubing head spool <b>130</b> further includes a inner shoulder <b>135</b> which has a bowl-shaped seat <b>135</b><i>a</i>. The inner shoulder <b>135</b> abuts a top surface of the production casing mandrel <b>122</b>. Below the inner shoulder <b>135</b> is a bottom annulus <b>136</b>, which includes an outer shoulder <b>136</b><i>a </i>that is engaged by the threaded union <b>140</b> when the threaded union <b>140</b> is tightened. Beneath the outer shoulder <b>136</b><i>a </i>is an annular groove <b>136</b><i>b </i>which aligns with the matching annular groove <b>83</b> in a top of the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the outer shoulder <b>136</b><i>a </i>abuts the top surfaces of the seal ring <b>92</b> and the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>. A metal ring gasket is seated in the annular grooves <b>136</b><i>b</i>, <b>83</b>. The metal ring gasket is described in detail in Applicant's co-pending application referenced above.

0067The bottom annulus <b>136</b> has two injection ports <b>137</b> through which two plastic injection seals <b>138</b> are injected. The bottom annulus <b>136</b> also has a pair of test ports <b>139</b> for use in pressure-integrity testing.

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a tubing head test plug <b>150</b> installed inside the bore of the stack for pressure-integrity testing. Landed in the position shown, the test plug <b>150</b> permits pressure-integrity testing of the joint between the production casing <b>120</b> and the production casing mandrel <b>122</b>, as well as all the joints and seals above that joint.

0069The test plug <b>150</b> has a solid bull-nosed end piece <b>151</b> which has an upper annular shoulder upon which is supported a metal gauge ring <b>152</b>, an elastomeric backup seal <b>153</b>, and an elastomeric cup <b>154</b>. The gauge ring <b>152</b>, backup seal <b>153</b> and cup <b>154</b> provide a fluid-tight seal between the test plug <b>150</b> and the production casing <b>120</b>. The cup <b>154</b> includes two annular grooves <b>154</b><i>a </i>in which O-rings may be seated for providing a fluid-tight seal between the bull-nosed end piece <b>151</b> and the cup <b>154</b>. At an upper portion of the bull-nosed end piece are threads for connecting to a tubular extension <b>155</b>. The tubular extension <b>155</b> has an opening <b>155</b><i>a </i>through which pressurized fluid flows during pressurization of the stack. The tubular extension has a flared section <b>156</b> with three O-ring grooves <b>156</b><i>a</i>. The flared section <b>156</b> has a lower beveled shoulder <b>157</b> which sits in the bowl-shaped seat <b>135</b><i>a </i>of the tubing head spool <b>130</b>. A top end of the tubular extension <b>155</b> has a pin thread <b>158</b> and a sealing end section <b>159</b> for sealed connection to a Bowen union <b>160</b>.

0070The Bowen union <b>160</b> includes a bottom flange <b>161</b>, a Bowen adapter <b>162</b>, and a ring gasket groove <b>163</b> which aligns with the annular groove <b>133</b> in the tubing head spool <b>130</b> for receiving a standard metal ring gasket. The Bowen union <b>160</b> further includes a pair of annular grooves <b>164</b> in which O-rings are seated for providing a fluid-tight seal between the Bowen union <b>160</b> and the sealing end section <b>159</b> of the tubular extension <b>155</b>. The Bowen union <b>160</b> further includes a set of box threads <b>165</b> for engaging the threads <b>158</b> on the tubular extension <b>155</b>.

0071For pressure-integrity testing of the stack, the Bowen union <b>160</b> is connected to a high-pressure line (which is not shown, but is well known in the art). Pressurized fluid is pumped through the central bore of the stack, through the opening <b>155</b><i>a </i>in the tubular extension <b>155</b> and into the annular space <b>150</b><i>a </i>between the tubular extension <b>155</b> and the production casing mandrel <b>122</b> and product-ion casing <b>120</b>.

0072After the pressure-integrity testing has been satisfactorily completed, the high-pressure line is disconnected from the Bowen union <b>160</b> and the test plug <b>150</b> and Bowen union <b>160</b> are then removed from the stack. The hybrid wellhead system is then ready for completion.

0073In some cases, the intermediate casing string <b>70</b> cannot be run to the desired depth because of debris or some other blockage at or near the bottom of the well bore, or because the string length was miscalculated. In that case, slips <b>170</b> are affixed to the intermediate casing <b>70</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. The slips <b>170</b> are frusta-conically shaped to be seated in an upwardly flared casing bowl <b>38</b>′ of a wellhead <b>36</b>′. As shown, the wellhead <b>36</b>′ is a variant of the wellhead <b>36</b>. The wellhead <b>36</b>′ has a modified casing bowl <b>38</b>′, i.e., the casing bowl <b>38</b>′ provides more angle with respect to the vertical and has a longer contact surface than the standard casing bowl <b>38</b>. The casing bowl <b>38</b>′ is thus designed to support a tubular string using the slips <b>170</b>. The casing bowl <b>38</b>′ includes side ports <b>37</b>′. The casing bowl <b>38</b>′ is thus designed to support a tubular string using the slips <b>170</b>.

0074Ordinarily, if the intermediate casing <b>70</b> can be fully run to the desired depth, the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the BOP <b>42</b> remain installed while the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b> is landed, as was shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, to permit the attachment of the slips <b>170</b>, it is necessary to remove the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the BOP <b>42</b>.

0075As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, the slips <b>170</b> are seated in the casing bowl <b>38</b>′ of the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The intermediate casing <b>70</b> is thus suspended in the well bore. An annular seal plate <b>172</b> having four annular grooves <b>174</b> for accommodating O-rings is seated on a top surface <b>171</b> of the slips <b>170</b> and on an annular ledge <b>171</b><i>a </i>of the wellhead <b>36</b>′. As illustrated, the top surface <b>171</b> and the annular ledge <b>171</b><i>a </i>are not horizontally flush. Accordingly, the underside of the annular seal plate <b>172</b> has an annular recess <b>173</b> for accommodating the annular ledge <b>171</b><i>a. </i>

0076A packing nut <b>176</b> is secured atop the annular seal plate <b>172</b>. The packing nut <b>176</b> has external threads <b>178</b>, which engage internal threads <b>31</b>′ on an upper annular extension <b>35</b>′ of the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The upper annular extension <b>35</b>′ also has external threads for meshing with a lockdown nut as will be described below.

0077As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, an intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ (also known as a B section) is installed atop the wellhead <b>36</b>′ and the packing nut <b>176</b>. The intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ is almost identical to the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8–14</figref> except for the lower annular shoulder <b>88</b>′ which further includes a lower annular protrusion <b>88</b><i>a</i>′ to accommodate the upper annular extension <b>35</b>′ of the wellhead <b>36</b>′.

0078As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ is secured to the wellhead <b>36</b>′ by a threaded union <b>90</b>′. A drop sleeve <b>180</b> is inserted as a spacer between the intermediate casing <b>70</b> and the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′, backing against the plastic injection seals <b>86</b> and test ports <b>87</b>. The drop sleeve <b>180</b> fits beneath an annular shoulder in the intermediate head spool and above the packing nut <b>176</b>. The drop sleeve <b>180</b> has four annular grooves <b>182</b> in which O-rings are seated for providing a fluid-tight seal between the drop sleeve <b>180</b> and the intermediate casing <b>70</b>.

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ secured to the wellhead <b>36</b>′ by the threaded union <b>90</b>′. The intermediate casing string <b>70</b> is secured and suspended in the well by the slips <b>170</b> which are seated in the casing bowl <b>38</b>′ of the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The annular seal plate <b>172</b> (with O-rings in the grooves <b>174</b>) provides a seal while the packing nut <b>176</b> secures the seal plate <b>172</b> and the slips <b>170</b> to the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The drop sleeve <b>180</b> (with four O-rings in the grooves <b>182</b>) acts as a spacer and seal between the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ and the intermediate casing <b>70</b>, above the packing nut <b>176</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, a drilling flange <b>40</b> (with a BOP mounted thereto, but not shown) is then secured to the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ using the threaded union <b>44</b>. The threaded union <b>44</b> has a box thread that engages the upper pin thread <b>82</b> on the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′. A metal ring gasket is seated in the annular groove <b>83</b>. Along with two adjacent O-rings, the metal ring gasket provides a fluid-tight seal between the drilling flange <b>40</b> and the intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′.

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates a second embodiment of the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′ which is designed for use in conjunction with the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′ has a box thread <b>71</b> for securing and suspending the intermediate casing <b>70</b> in the well. The intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′ includes a frusta-conical bottom end <b>75</b>′ that is contained at the same level as the slips <b>170</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. The frusta-conical bottom end <b>75</b>′ has a larger contact surface with the wellhead <b>36</b>′, and is thus well suited for supporting a long intermediate casing string required in a particularly deep well.

0081As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the frusta-conical bottom end <b>75</b>′ has three annular grooves <b>77</b> in which O-rings are seated to provide a fluid-tight seal between the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′ and the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′ has a top end <b>79</b> that acts as a spacer, and replaces the drop sleeve <b>180</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. A thinner seal plate <b>172</b>′ and a thinner packing nut <b>176</b>′ accommodate the top end <b>0</b>.<b>79</b>. The seal plate <b>172</b>′ also has four annular grooves <b>174</b> in which O-rings are seated to provide a fluid-tight seal between the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′ and the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The plastic injection seals <b>85</b> also provide a fluid-tight seal with the top end <b>79</b> of the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′.

0082The intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ is secured by the threaded union <b>90</b>′ to the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The intermediate head spool <b>80</b>′ abuts the top end <b>79</b> of the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b>′. The outer shoulder <b>88</b>′ abuts the top of the wellhead <b>36</b>′. The bottom annulus <b>88</b><i>a</i>′ abuts the top of the packing nut <b>176</b>′.

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates a completed hybrid wellhead system which includes wellhead <b>36</b>, an intermediate head spool <b>80</b>, a tubing head spool <b>180</b>, and a flow-control stack <b>200</b>. As illustrated and described above, the wellhead <b>36</b> is secured to the surface casing <b>30</b>, the intermediate casing mandrel <b>72</b> is connected to the intermediate casing <b>70</b>, and the production casing mandrel <b>122</b> is connected to the production casing <b>120</b>. The tubing head spool <b>180</b> supports a tubing hanger <b>182</b> that is locked down by locking pins <b>184</b>. The tubing hanger <b>182</b> has a box thread <b>188</b> for securing and supporting a production tubing string <b>190</b> within the production casing <b>120</b>. The tubing head spool <b>180</b> is secured to the intermediate head spool <b>80</b> by a threaded union <b>195</b>.

0084The flow-control stack <b>200</b> is flanged to a top flange <b>185</b> of the tubing head spool <b>180</b>. The top flange <b>185</b> includes a ring gasket groove <b>186</b> which aligns with an annular groove <b>202</b> in the flow control stack <b>200</b> for receiving a standard metal ring gasket. The flow-control stack <b>200</b> may include any one or more of a flow tee, choke, master valve or production valves. These flow-control devices are well known in the art and are not described in further detail. The tubing hanger <b>182</b> also has a pair of annular grooves <b>183</b> in which O-rings are seated for providing a fluid-tight seal between the tubing head spool <b>180</b> and the tubing hanger <b>182</b>.

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates threaded unions for securing the intermediate head spool to the wellhead and for securing the tubing head spool to the intermediate head spool. A flanged connection is used for securing the flow-control stack to the tubing head spool, to permit a standard flow control stack to be used for hydrocarbon production. This hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than independent screwed wellheads (which are typically rated at no more than 3000 PSI). The wellhead has a working pressure rating of 3000–5000 PSI. The intermediate head spool has a working pressure rating of 10,000 PSI. The tubing head spool has a working pressure rating of 10,000–15,000 PSI and higher working pressures can be accommodated, if required.

0086Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other combinations of heads, fittings and components may be assembled in the manner described above to form a hybrid wellhead system. The embodiments of the invention described above are therefore intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.